Naturally, women – and a much smaller number of men – are still terrified by the diagnosis of breast cancer, but thanks to medical advances, 80 per cent will survive today, while the odds two decades ago were only 50-50 at best.

That isn't the only good news. The days of agonising for as much as six months between a patient seeing a doctor after finding a lump on a breast and having key tests are over. The whole process has been speeded up and there are many more options for women than having to undergo a mastectomy.

Great advances have also been made in reconstructive surgery, and Peterborough oncoplastic breast surgeon Mr Tholkifl Abdullah tells today how women are regaining their confidence thanks to this expertise allaying fears about the physical impact of such major surgery on their looks.

It underscores the advances being made thanks to research into the disease, and the importance of fund-raising events such as Race For Life. Read the full story: Great strides are being madein breast cancer treatment.

X factor Aston on the record already

IT is brilliant to see city lad Aston Merrygold and his pals in JLS doing so well in X Factor. Hopefully, many more exciting weeks lie ahead as the public begins voting for their favourites.

It's also good news that the group will be featured on the show's first charity single to help wounded soldiers and the annual Poppy Appeal. Read the full story: X Factor star Aston honoured to support our heroes